By Tim Branstetter / Staff Writer
The Corbin Lady Redhounds were forced to pick up the tempo late and were able to hold on for a 57-32 victory over Barbourville.
The Lady Redhounds came out hot and grabbed a 14-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. They were able to extend their lead to 23-7 with 3:30 remaining in the second quarter.
Although Corbin appeared to have the game well in hand at 31-13 at the half, the Lady Tigers were not ready to go away without a fight.
After falling behind 36-17 with 2:45 remaining in the third quarter, Barbourville went on an 11-0 run to close the gap at 36-28 with :34 remaining in the quarter.
Neysa Kelly scored six points during the run and the Lady Tigers were down 38-28 at the end of the third quarter.
“It was a lack of focus,” Corbin coach Jennifer Parsons said. “We have to realize every possession counts. We can’t get complacent.”
After Barbourville closed the gap to 38-30 early in the fourth quarter, the Lady Redhounds responded with a 9-0 run to pull ahead 47-30 with 5:32 reamining in the game.
Hayley Smith scored back-to-back baskets and Shai Roaden added a three-point play during the run. Kelci Jones led the way with 18 points, while Smith added 12 points and Roaden finished with 10 points on the night.
“I knew Barbourville played hard,” Parsons said. “We were not making good decisions with the ball. Overall though I am pleased with the effort and the ability to stop their run and pick up the win.”
